TORONTO, March 6, 2008 – The Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) is delighted with the success of the government’s New Graduate Full-Time Employment Guarantee.
At a press conference today, Health Minister George Smitherman unveiled figures showing that 86 per cent of nursing graduates who joined the program remained employed in full-time work after the initial seven-month work placement.

"RNAO is very impressed with these results, and pleased the McGuinty government recognizes the success of this made-in-Ontario solution. We’re also pleased that the government is extending the program by one year. But we urge them to commit to multi-year funding so this program can continue to help keep future nursing graduates in the province," says Mary Ferguson-Pare,
President of RNAO.

The initiative, which guarantees every nursing graduate who joins the program full-time employment for seven-and-a-half months, is something RNAO has advocated for since 2003. “We are thrilled with the results,” says Ferguson-Pare, adding that the continuation of this program is wonderful news for nursing graduates who are beginning their careers.

“We are very concerned about the nursing shortage and the best way to keep tomorrow’s nurses in Ontario is to give them the opportunity to work full-time,” says Ferguson-Pare.

RNAO’s Executive Director also applauded the continuation of the New Graduate Guarantee. “Today’s announcement is an important step toward solving the nursing shortage in the province. We congratulate government and employers and we urge them to ensure that any nurse who wants to work full-time is able to do so. We know the need is there, and it’s essential if we want nurses to have meaningful careers,” says Doris Grinspun.

“Providing new nurses with full-time employment is the best way to ensure that the people of Ontario receive the continuity of care they need and deserve, not just today, but down the road,” adds Grinspun.

The Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) is the professional association representing registered nurses wherever they practise in Ontario.
Since 1925, RNAO has lobbied for healthy public policy, promoted excellence in nursing practice, increased nurses’ contribution to shaping the health-care system, and influenced decisions that affect nurses and the public they serve.
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